Private School Cost in California (2026)
Private schools in California average $15,680/year. 27% above national avg. Religious schools run $10,200/year; independent schools average $30,500/year.
State Average
$15,680
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,307
per month
Private Schools
3,975
in California
vs National
+$3,330
per year
Tuition by School Type in California
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$10,200/yr
+28% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$30,500/yr
+22% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$16,200/yr
+30% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$15,680/yr
+27% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in California
25th Percentile
$8,500
More affordable options
State Average
$15,680
Typical school
75th Percentile
$24,800
Premium schools
Most California private schools fall between $8,500 and $24,800/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in California?
Enter your household income to see how California's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in California
Private School (avg)
$15,680
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$14,170
per pupil, taxpayer-funded
- • Avg class size: 16–22 students
- • Free to attend (hidden costs: $1,500–$5,000/yr)
- • Quality varies widely by district
California spends $14,170/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $15,680/year — a gap of $1,510/year more than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in California
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At California's average of $15,680/year, that's roughly $7,500/year in aid for qualifying families. Most California private schools use FAST or SSS applications — ask the admissions office to start the process.
Learn more about private school financial aid →Compare Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private school cost in California?
Private school in California averages $15,680/year — 27% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $10,200/year; independent schools average $30,500/year. California has approximately 3,975 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in California?
The average private school tuition in California is $15,680/year. That breaks down to roughly $1,306/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $10,200/year; independent schools average $30,500/year.
How does California private school cost compare to the national average?
California private school tuition averages $15,680/year, which is 27% above the national average ($12,350/year). California is one of the higher-cost states for private education, driven by higher concentrations of elite independent schools.
How many private schools are in California?
California has approximately 3,975 private schools. These include religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based) schools, independent schools, Montessori programs, and boarding schools. Source: NCES Private School Universe Survey.
Can I afford private school in California?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At California's average of $15,680/year, that means a household income of $131,000+ is generally needed without financial stress. About 27% of private school families receive need-based aid averaging 48% of tuition — contact the school's admissions office to learn about aid options.
Private School Calculator
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K–12 Total Cost
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Financial Aid Calculator
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All States Comparison
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